After the unexpected success of the Blair Witch project, many young and aspiring (albeit untalented) directors grabbed their camcorders and began filming whatever they could, in order to capitalize on the country's newfound respect for amateur film. While most thankfully fizzled out, a few made it to the big screen. The 13th Child, based on the popular myth of the Jersey Devil, was going to be a major hit and launch it's creators into stardom...but it didn't. While I have the utmost respect for anyone who has the drive to make their visions a reality, this is an abomination.
First of all, while called "The 13th Child", it completely ignores the story of Mother Leeds and the mysterious visitor who may have fathered her unholy offspring; instead, the jersey devil is now an Indian who shape-shifted into the creature by accident. The main story, if I can remember correctly, involved an investigation into several mysterious deaths that led to a strange old coot living in the woods, who may hold some answers. I don't know that for certain, because my subconscious has tried to block most of it out. What I can recall is that the effects are terrible, the acting sucks, and there's no real story at all. The title, come to think of it, does work on one level-it must have cost thirteen bucks to make, with thirteen people, in thirteen days, and with thirteen pages of pointless script. I want my money back. This flick gets an F.
First of all, while called "The 13th Child", it completely ignores the story of Mother Leeds and the mysterious visitor who may have fathered her unholy offspring; instead, the jersey devil is now an Indian who shape-shifted into the creature by accident. The main story, if I can remember correctly, involved an investigation into several mysterious deaths that led to a strange old coot living in the woods, who may hold some answers. I don't know that for certain, because my subconscious has tried to block most of it out. What I can recall is that the effects are terrible, the acting sucks, and there's no real story at all. The title, come to think of it, does work on one level-it must have cost thirteen bucks to make, with thirteen people, in thirteen days, and with thirteen pages of pointless script. I want my money back. This flick gets an F.